1
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Capasso G, Stefanucci A, Tolomeo A. A systematic review on the current status of PSMA-targeted imaging and radioligand therapy. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 263:115966. [PMID: 37992520 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 11/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) has been the subject of several studies in recent decades as a promising molecular target for prostate cancer (PCa), in fact it is considered an excellent molecular target for both PCa imaging (both for staging and follow-up), by means of PET/CT and for radioligand therapy. Its interesting molecular features have enabled the development of a new diagnostic and therapeutic approach for PCa, called "theranostics." Considering the abundance of PSMA-based probes that have appeared so far in the literature, the present work focuses the attention on radiopharmaceuticals with increasing clinical application, highlighting advantages and disadvantages in terms of different metabolization and excretion processes, pharmacokinetic, binding affinity and variable internalization rate, tumor-to-background ratio, residence times and toxicity profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Capasso
- ITEL TELECOMUNICAZIONI S.r.l - Radiopharmaceutical Division, Italy.
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, Università degli Studi "G. d'Annunzio" Chieti, Pescara, Italy.
| | - Anna Tolomeo
- ITEL TELECOMUNICAZIONI S.r.l - Radiopharmaceutical Division, Italy.
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2
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Dai Y, Fang T, Xu Y, Jiang T, Qiao J. Multi-fluorine labeled indanone derivatives as potential MRI imaging probes for β-Amyloid plaques. Chem Biol Drug Des 2023; 101:650-661. [PMID: 36301043 DOI: 10.1111/cbdd.14162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2022] [Revised: 10/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
In order to realize the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), we designed and synthesized a series of multi-fluorine labeled indanone derivatives based on indanone which could target β-amyloid (Aβ). Through the in vitro staining experiment and affinity experiment, we selected 7d out, and then evaluated it through other in vivo and in vitro experiments. The staining of AD human brain adjacent sections revealed that compound 7d could bind to Aβ plaques with high affinity. In the in vitro binding assay, 7d showed a balanced affinity with Aβ1-40 (Kd = 367 ± 13) and Aβ1-42 (Kd = 384 ± 56). Also, 7d exhibited a low toxicity (LD50 > 50 mg/kg) and an excellent ability to pass through the blood-brain barrier (Log p = 3.87). The biodistribution experiment in mice showed that 7d reached the highest brain uptake after 1 h of tail vein injection and cleared after 24 h. A low concentration of 7d (1.875 mg/ml) showed a strong imaging ability (19F-weighted mode), and the imaging capability increased with the increasing of concentration. All the results showed that 7d could provide a feasible solution for the early diagnosis of AD under non-radioactive condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqian Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Tangni Fang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yuanhong Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Taoshan Jiang
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, China
| | - Jinping Qiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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3
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Stefanucci A, Minosi P, Pieretti S, Tanguturi P, Molnar G, Scioli G, Marinaccio L, Della Valle A, Streicher JM, Mollica A. Design of Analgesic Trivalent Peptides with Low Withdrawal Symptoms: Probing the Antinociceptive Profile of Novel Linear and Cyclic Peptides as Opioid Pan Ligands. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:506-515. [PMID: 36651179 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of efficacious and safe analgesics with reduced side effects is the foremost challenge in the pain field. In this work, we report the in vitro and in vivo evaluation of linear and cyclic analogues of biphalin with the aim to complete the series of structural modifications previously applied in the development of opioid peptides incorporating a xylene bridge. Replacement of Tyr1,1' by Dmt (2,5-dimethyltyrosine) in the linear biphalin analogue AM94 and cyclic analogue MACE4 resulted in two new compounds (namely, MJ2 and MJ5) endowed with improved KOR/MOR/DOR binding affinity. Both compounds showed a strong antinociceptive profile in in vivo models of nociception, allodynia, and hyperalgesia via the tail flick, hot plate, and formalin tests after intracerebroventricular and subcutaneous administration. One of these ligands, MJ2, was also tested in tolerance and dependence studies, exhibiting very little withdrawal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Paola Minosi
- Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei Farmaci, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei Farmaci, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Gabriella Molnar
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85012, United States
| | - Giuseppe Scioli
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Lorenza Marinaccio
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alice Della Valle
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - John M Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85012, United States.,Comprehensive Pain and Addiction Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85012, United States
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Universitá; di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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4
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Duran P, Loya-López S, Ran D, Tang C, Calderon-Rivera A, Gomez K, Stratton HJ, Huang S, Xu YM, Wijeratne EMK, Perez-Miller S, Shan Z, Cai S, Gabrielsen AT, Dorame A, Masterson KA, Alsbiei O, Madura CL, Luo G, Moutal A, Streicher J, Zamponi GW, Gunatilaka AAL, Khanna R. The natural product argentatin C attenuates postoperative pain via inhibition of voltage-gated sodium and T-type voltage-gated calcium channels. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 180:1267-1285. [PMID: 36245395 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 07/07/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Postoperative pain occurs in as many as 70% of surgeries performed worldwide. Postoperative pain management still relies on opioids despite their negative consequences, resulting in a public health crisis. Therefore, it is important to develop alternative therapies to treat chronic pain. Natural products derived from medicinal plants are potential sources of novel biologically active compounds for development of safe analgesics. In this study, we screened a library of natural products to identify small molecules that target the activity of voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels that have important roles in nociceptive sensory processing. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Fractions derived from the Native American medicinal plant, Parthenium incanum, were assessed using depolarization-evoked calcium influx in rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Further separation of these fractions yielded a cycloartane-type triterpene identified as argentatin C, which was additionally evaluated using whole-cell voltage and current-clamp electrophysiology, and behavioural analysis in a mouse model of postsurgical pain. KEY RESULTS Argentatin C blocked the activity of both voltage-gated sodium and low-voltage-activated (LVA) calcium channels in calcium imaging assays. Docking analysis predicted that argentatin C may bind to NaV 1.7-1.9 and CaV 3.1-3.3 channels. Furthermore, argentatin C decreased Na+ and T-type Ca2+ currents as well as excitability in rat and macaque DRG neurons, and reversed mechanical allodynia in a mouse model of postsurgical pain. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that the dual effect of argentatin C on voltage-gated sodium and calcium channels supports its potential as a novel treatment for painful conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paz Duran
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Santiago Loya-López
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dongzhi Ran
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Cheng Tang
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA.,NYU Pain Research Center, New York, New York, USA.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha, China
| | - Aida Calderon-Rivera
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kimberly Gomez
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Harrison J Stratton
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Sun Huang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Ya-Ming Xu
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - E M Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Samantha Perez-Miller
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Zhiming Shan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Song Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Anna T Gabrielsen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Angie Dorame
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Kyleigh A Masterson
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Omar Alsbiei
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Cynthia L Madura
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Guoqin Luo
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - John Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - A A Leslie Gunatilaka
- Southwest Center for Natural Products Research, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, USA
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Molecular Pathobiology, College of Dentistry, New York University, New York, New York, USA.,NYU Pain Research Center, New York, New York, USA
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5
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Wang X, Yang J, Li H, Shi S, Peng X. Mechanistic study and synergistic effect on inhibition of α-amylase by structurally similar flavonoids. J Mol Liq 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molliq.2022.119485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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6
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Design and synthesis of first environment-sensitive coumarin fluorescent agonists for MrgX2. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 203:481-491. [PMID: 35051504 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 01/02/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Mas related G-protein-coupled receptor member X2 (MrgX2) has been identified as the crucial receptor in drug induced pseudo-allergic reactions and allergic diseases. In this research, the first type of fluorescent agonists (ZX1, ZX2 and ZX3) for MrgX2 were developed by conjugating environment-sensitive fluorophore coumarin to MrgX2 selective agonists (R)-ZINC-3573. Their environment-sensitive property was confirmed by the dramatically increase of fluorescent intensity after binding to the hydrophobic ligand binding domain MrgX2, which help to overcome the high background signal. Based on these characteristics, they can be used for selective visualization of MrgX2 in living cells even with their own background interference. Among these fluorescent agonists, compound ZX2 possessed splendid spectroscopic properties, outstanding pharmacological activities (EC50 = 0.93 μM, KD = 1.97 μM). And a competitive binding assay was established with ZX2 to analysis the binding affinity of MrgX2 agonists, which shown high coherence with the results of cell membrane chromatography. To our knowledge, these probes are the first fluorescent ligands of MrgX2 with agonistic activity and environment-sensitive property, which is expected to use for the development of MrgX2 molecular pharmacology and serve as a convenient high-throughput screening tool for the drug candidates targeting MrgX2.
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7
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Synthesis, biological, and structural explorations of a series of μ-opioid receptor (MOR) agonists with high G protein signaling bias. Eur J Med Chem 2022; 228:113986. [PMID: 34802839 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Biased agonism refers to the ability of compounds to drive preferred signaling pathways and avoid adverse signaling pathways in a ligand-dependent manner for some G-protein-coupled receptors. It is thought that the separation of therapeutic efficacy (e.g., analgesia) from adverse effects (e.g., respiration depression) can be achieved through the design of biased MOR agonists and one example is the recently approved MOR biased agonist oliceridine (TRV130). However, oliceridine only demonstrates modest beneficial effects as compared to other opioids in terms of therapeutic/adverse effect balance. One possibility attributable to the modest success of oliceridine is its limited bias, and as such developing MOR ligands with a more biased agonism profile could in theory further improve the beneficial effects of the ligands. Here, we rationally designed and synthesized a series of derivatives as potent highly biased MOR agonists (19a-v) through the modification and structure-activity relationship study of TRV130. This novel synthetic molecule, LPM3480392 (19m), demonstrated improved in vitro biased agonism (EC50 = 0.35 nM, Emax = 91.4%) with no measured β-arrestin recruitment (EC50 > 30000 nM, Emax = 1.6%), good brain penetration (B/P ratio = 4.61, 0.25 h post-IV dosing 2.0 mg/kg), a favorable pharmacokinetic profile (distribution volume = 10766 mL/kg, t1/2 = 1.9 h) and produced potent antinociceptive effect with reduced respiratory suppression (sO2(%) = 92.17, 0.32 mg/kg, SC) as compared to TRV130. LPM3480392 has completed preclinical studies and is currently under clinical development (CTR20210370) as an analgesic for the treatment of moderate to severe pain.
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8
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Vekariya RH, Lei W, Ray A, Saini SK, Zhang S, Molnar G, Barlow D, Karlage KL, Bilsky EJ, Houseknecht KL, Largent-Milnes TM, Streicher JM, Ananthan S. Synthesis and Structure–Activity Relationships of 5′-Aryl-14-alkoxypyridomorphinans: Identification of a μ Opioid Receptor Agonist/δ Opioid Receptor Antagonist Ligand with Systemic Antinociceptive Activity and Diminished Opioid Side Effects. J Med Chem 2020; 63:7663-7694. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.0c00503] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh H. Vekariya
- Chemistry Department, Southern Research, Birmingham, Alabama 35205, United States
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Abhisek Ray
- Chemistry Department, Southern Research, Birmingham, Alabama 35205, United States
| | - Surendra K. Saini
- Chemistry Department, Southern Research, Birmingham, Alabama 35205, United States
| | - Sixue Zhang
- Chemistry Department, Southern Research, Birmingham, Alabama 35205, United States
| | - Gabriella Molnar
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Deborah Barlow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine 04005, United States
| | - Kelly L. Karlage
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Edward J. Bilsky
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Karen L. Houseknecht
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine 04005, United States
| | - Tally M. Largent-Milnes
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Subramaniam Ananthan
- Chemistry Department, Southern Research, Birmingham, Alabama 35205, United States
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9
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Daily intermittent fasting in mice enhances morphine-induced antinociception while mitigating reward, tolerance, and constipation. Pain 2020; 161:2353-2363. [PMID: 32427747 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The opioid epidemic has plagued the United States with high levels of abuse and poor quality of life for chronic pain patients requiring continuous use of opioids. New drug discovery efforts have been implemented to mitigate this epidemic; however, new medications are still limited by low efficacy and/or high side effect and abuse potential. Intermittent fasting (IF) has recently been shown to improve a variety of pathological states, including stroke and neuroinflammation. Numerous animal and human studies have shown the benefits of IF in these disease states, but not in pain and opioid treatment. We thus subjected male and female CD-1 mice to 18-hour fasting intervals followed by 6-hour feed periods with standard chow for 1 week. Mice that underwent this diet displayed an enhanced antinociceptive response to morphine both in efficacy and duration using thermal tail-flick and postoperative paw incision pain models. While showing enhanced antinociception, IF mice also demonstrated no morphine reward and reduced tolerance and constipation. Seeking a mechanism for these improvements, we found that the mu-opioid receptor showed enhanced efficacy and reduced tolerance in the spinal cord and periaqueductal gray, respectively, from IF mice using a S-GTPγS coupling assay. These improvements in receptor function were not due to changes in mu-opioid receptor protein expression. These data suggest that a daily IF diet may improve the therapeutic index of acute and chronic opioid therapies for pain patients in the clinic, providing a novel tool to improve patient therapy and reduce potential abuse.
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10
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Targeting the CaVα-CaVβ interaction yields an antagonist of the N-type CaV2.2 channel with broad antinociceptive efficacy. Pain 2020; 160:1644-1661. [PMID: 30933958 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Inhibition of voltage-gated calcium (CaV) channels is a potential therapy for many neurological diseases including chronic pain. Neuronal CaV1/CaV2 channels are composed of α, β, γ and α2δ subunits. The β subunits of CaV channels are cytoplasmic proteins that increase the surface expression of the pore-forming α subunit of CaV. We targeted the high-affinity protein-protein interface of CaVβ's pocket within the CaVα subunit. Structure-based virtual screening of 50,000 small molecule library docked to the β subunit led to the identification of 2-(3,5-dimethylisoxazol-4-yl)-N-((4-((3-phenylpropyl)amino)quinazolin-2-yl)methyl)acetamide (IPPQ). This small molecule bound to CaVβ and inhibited its coupling with N-type voltage-gated calcium (CaV2.2) channels, leading to a reduction in CaV2.2 currents in rat dorsal root ganglion sensory neurons, decreased presynaptic localization of CaV2.2 in vivo, decreased frequency of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic potentials and miniature excitatory postsynaptic potentials, and inhibited release of the nociceptive neurotransmitter calcitonin gene-related peptide from spinal cord. IPPQ did not target opioid receptors nor did it engage inhibitory G protein-coupled receptor signaling. IPPQ was antinociceptive in naive animals and reversed allodynia and hyperalgesia in models of acute (postsurgical) and neuropathic (spinal nerve ligation, chemotherapy- and gp120-induced peripheral neuropathy, and genome-edited neuropathy) pain. IPPQ did not cause akinesia or motor impairment, a common adverse effect of CaV2.2 targeting drugs, when injected into the brain. IPPQ, a quinazoline analog, represents a novel class of CaV2.2-targeting compounds that may serve as probes to interrogate CaVα-CaVβ function and ultimately be developed as a nonopioid therapeutic for chronic pain.
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11
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Stefanucci A, Dimmito MP, Molnar G, Streicher JM, Novellino E, Zengin G, Mollica A. Developing Cyclic Opioid Analogues: Fluorescently Labeled Bioconjugates of Biphalin. ACS Med Chem Lett 2020; 11:720-726. [PMID: 32435376 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.9b00569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 01/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of bioconjugates is of pivotal importance in medicinal chemistry due to their potential applications as therapeutic agents to improve the targeting of specific diseases, decrease toxicity, or control drug release. In this work we achieved the synthesis and characterization of three novel opioid peptides fluorescently labeled, analogues of cyclic biphalin derivatives, namely 1D, 1C, and 2C. Among them, compound 1D, containing a dansyl-maleimide motif, exhibited an excellent binding affinity and functional potency for the δ-opioid receptor (DOR). 1D also demonstrated a strong fluorescence emission spectrum ranging from 300 to 700 nm. These features could be highly desirable for medical and biological applications needed for targeting the DOR, including in vivo imaging, and as a lead for the design of fluorescent probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Gabriela Molnar
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, 42250 Konya, Turkey
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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12
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Szűcs E, Stefanucci A, Dimmito MP, Zádor F, Pieretti S, Zengin G, Vécsei L, Benyhe S, Nalli M, Mollica A. Discovery of Kynurenines Containing Oligopeptides as Potent Opioid Receptor Agonists. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10020284. [PMID: 32059524 PMCID: PMC7072329 DOI: 10.3390/biom10020284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2019] [Revised: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine (kyn) and kynurenic acid (kyna) are well-defined metabolites of tryptophan catabolism collectively known as "kynurenines", which exert regulatory functions in host-microbiome signaling, immune cell response, and neuronal excitability. Kynurenine containing peptides endowed with opioid receptor activity have been isolated from natural organisms; thus, in this work, novel opioid peptide analogs incorporating L-kynurenine (L-kyn) and kynurenic acid (kyna) in place of native amino acids have been designed and synthesized with the aim to investigate the biological effect of these modifications. The kyna-containing peptide (KA1) binds selectively the m-opioid receptor with a Ki = 1.08 ± 0.26 (selectivity ratio m/d/k = 1:514:10000), while the L-kyn-containing peptide (K6) shows a mixed binding affinity for m, d, and k-opioid receptors, with efficacy and potency (Emax = 209.7 + 3.4%; LogEC50 = -5.984 + 0.054) higher than those of the reference compound DAMGO. This novel oligopeptide exhibits a strong antinociceptive effect after i.c.v. and s.c. administrations in in vivo tests, according to good stability in human plasma (t1/2 = 47 min).
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Affiliation(s)
- Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62., H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (E.S.); (F.Z.); (S.B.)
- Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Dómtér 10, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.P.D.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.P.D.); (A.M.)
| | - Ferenc Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62., H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (E.S.); (F.Z.); (S.B.)
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, 42250 Konya, Turkey;
| | - László Vécsei
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62., H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (E.S.); (F.Z.); (S.B.)
| | - Marianna Nalli
- Laboratory affiliated with the Institute Pasteur Italy-Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Department of Drug Chemistry and Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, I-00185 Roma, Italy;
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (M.P.D.); (A.M.)
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13
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Abstract
This paper is the fortieth consecutive installment of the annual anthological review of research concerning the endogenous opioid system, summarizing articles published during 2017 that studied the behavioral effects of molecular, pharmacological and genetic manipulation of opioid peptides and receptors as well as effects of opioid/opiate agonists and antagonists. The review is subdivided into the following specific topics: molecular-biochemical effects and neurochemical localization studies of endogenous opioids and their receptors (1), the roles of these opioid peptides and receptors in pain and analgesia in animals (2) and humans (3), opioid-sensitive and opioid-insensitive effects of nonopioid analgesics (4), opioid peptide and receptor involvement in tolerance and dependence (5), stress and social status (6), learning and memory (7), eating and drinking (8), drug abuse and alcohol (9), sexual activity and hormones, pregnancy, development and endocrinology (10), mental illness and mood (11), seizures and neurologic disorders (12), electrical-related activity and neurophysiology (13), general activity and locomotion (14), gastrointestinal, renal and hepatic functions (15), cardiovascular responses (16), respiration and thermoregulation (17), and immunological responses (18).
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Bodnar
- Department of Psychology and Neuropsychology Doctoral Sub-Program, Queens College, City University of New York, CUNY, 65-30 Kissena Blvd., Flushing, NY, 11367, United States.
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14
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Stefanucci A, Dimmito MP, Macedonio G, Ciarlo L, Pieretti S, Novellino E, Lei W, Barlow D, Houseknecht KL, Streicher JM, Mollica A. Potent, Efficacious, and Stable Cyclic Opioid Peptides with Long Lasting Antinociceptive Effect after Peripheral Administration. J Med Chem 2019; 63:2673-2687. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giorgia Macedonio
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Laura Ciarlo
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei Farmaci, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei Farmaci, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano, 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Deborah Barlow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine 04005, United States
| | - Karen L. Houseknecht
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of New England, Biddeford, Maine 04005, United States
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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15
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Bellampalli SS, Ji Y, Moutal A, Cai S, Wijeratne EMK, Gandini MA, Yu J, Chefdeville A, Dorame A, Chew LA, Madura CL, Luo S, Molnar G, Khanna M, Streicher JM, Zamponi GW, Gunatilaka AAL, Khanna R. Betulinic acid, derived from the desert lavender Hyptis emoryi, attenuates paclitaxel-, HIV-, and nerve injury-associated peripheral sensory neuropathy via block of N- and T-type calcium channels. Pain 2019; 160:117-135. [PMID: 30169422 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000001385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The Federal Pain Research Strategy recommended development of nonopioid analgesics as a top priority in its strategic plan to address the significant public health crisis and individual burden of chronic pain faced by >100 million Americans. Motivated by this challenge, a natural product extracts library was screened and identified a plant extract that targets activity of voltage-gated calcium channels. This profile is of interest as a potential treatment for neuropathic pain. The active extract derived from the desert lavender plant native to southwestern United States, when subjected to bioassay-guided fractionation, afforded 3 compounds identified as pentacyclic triterpenoids, betulinic acid (BA), oleanolic acid, and ursolic acid. Betulinic acid inhibited depolarization-evoked calcium influx in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons predominantly through targeting low-voltage-gated (Cav3 or T-type) and CaV2.2 (N-type) calcium channels. Voltage-clamp electrophysiology experiments revealed a reduction of Ca, but not Na, currents in sensory neurons after BA exposure. Betulinic acid inhibited spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and depolarization-evoked release of calcitonin gene-related peptide from lumbar spinal cord slices. Notably, BA did not engage human mu, delta, or kappa opioid receptors. Intrathecal administration of BA reversed mechanical allodynia in rat models of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy and HIV-associated peripheral sensory neuropathy as well as a mouse model of partial sciatic nerve ligation without effects on locomotion. The broad-spectrum biological and medicinal properties reported, including anti-HIV and anticancer activities of BA and its derivatives, position this plant-derived small molecule natural product as a potential nonopioid therapy for management of chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shreya S Bellampalli
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Yingshi Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin, People's Republic of China
| | - Aubin Moutal
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Song Cai
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - E M Kithsiri Wijeratne
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Maria A Gandini
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Aude Chefdeville
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Angie Dorame
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Lindsey A Chew
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Cynthia L Madura
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Shizhen Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Gabriella Molnar
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - May Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - John M Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Gerald W Zamponi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - A A Leslie Gunatilaka
- Natural Products Center, School of Natural Resources and the Environment, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Rajesh Khanna
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States.,The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, AZ, United States.,Department of Neuroscience Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, College of Medicine, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
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16
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A Novel Mu-Delta Opioid Agonist Demonstrates Enhanced Efficacy With Reduced Tolerance and Dependence in Mouse Neuropathic Pain Models. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2019; 21:146-160. [PMID: 31201990 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/29/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Numerous studies have demonstrated a physiological interaction between the mu opioid receptor (MOR) and delta opioid receptor (DOR) systems. A few studies have shown that dual MOR-DOR agonists could be beneficial, with reduced tolerance and addiction liability, but are nearly untested in chronic pain models, particularly neuropathic pain. In this study, we tested the MOR-DOR agonist SRI-22141 in mice in the clinically relevant models of HIV Neuropathy and Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN). SRI-22141 was more potent than morphine in the tail flick pain test and had equal or enhanced efficacy versus morphine in both neuropathic pain models, with significantly reduced tolerance. SRI-22141 also produced no jumping behavior during naloxone-precipitated withdrawal in CIPN or naïve mice, suggesting that SRI-22141 produces little to no dependence. SRI-22141 also reduced tumor necrosis factor-α and cyclooxygenase-2 in CIPN in the spinal cord, suggesting an anti-inflammatory mechanism of action. The DOR-selective antagonist naltrindole strongly reduced CIPN efficacy and anti-inflammatory activity in the spinal cord, without affecting tail flick antinociception, suggesting the importance of DOR activity in these models. Overall, these results provide compelling evidence that MOR-DOR agonists could have strong efficacy with reduced side effects and an anti-inflammatory mechanism in the treatment of neuropathic pain. PERSPECTIVE: This study demonstrates that a MOR-DOR dual agonist given chronically in chronic neuropathic pain models has enhanced efficacy with strongly reduced tolerance and dependence, with a further anti-inflammatory effect in the spinal cord. This suggests that MOR-DOR dual agonists could be effective treatments for neuropathic pain with reduced side effects.
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17
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Olson KM, Duron DI, Womer D, Fell R, Streicher JM. Comprehensive molecular pharmacology screening reveals potential new receptor interactions for clinically relevant opioids. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0217371. [PMID: 31170174 PMCID: PMC6553708 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0217371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/09/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Most clinically used opioids are thought to induce analgesia through activation of the mu opioid receptor (MOR). However, disparities have been observed between the efficacy of opioids in activating the MOR in vitro and in inducing analgesia in vivo. In addition, some clinically used opioids do not produce cross-tolerance with each other, and desensitization produced in vitro does not match tolerance produced in vivo. These disparities suggest that some opioids could be acting through other targets in vivo, but this has not been comprehensively tested. We thus screened 9 clinically relevant opioids (buprenorphine, hydrocodone, hydromorphone, morphine, O-desmethyl-tramadol, oxycodone, oxymorphone, tapentadol, tramadol) against 9 pain-related receptor targets (MOR, delta opioid receptor [DOR], kappa opioid receptor [KOR], nociceptin receptor [NOP], cannabinoid receptor type 1 [CB1], sigma-1 receptor [σ1R], and the monoamine transporters [NET/SERT/DAT]) expressed in cells using radioligand binding and functional activity assays. We found several novel interactions, including monoamine transporter activation by buprenorphine and σ1R binding by hydrocodone and tapentadol. Tail flick anti-nociception experiments with CD-1 mice demonstrated that the monoamine transporter inhibitor duloxetine selectively promoted buprenorphine anti-nociception while producing no effects by itself or in combination with the most MOR-selective drug oxymorphone, providing evidence that these novel interactions could be relevant in vivo. Our findings provide a comprehensive picture of the receptor interaction profiles of clinically relevant opioids, which has not previously been performed. Our findings also suggest novel receptor interactions for future investigation that could explain some of the disparities observed between opioid performance in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M. Olson
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - David I. Duron
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
| | - Daniel Womer
- Depomed, Inc., Newark, CA, United States of America
| | - Ryan Fell
- Depomed, Inc., Newark, CA, United States of America
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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18
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Stefanucci A, Lei W, Pieretti S, Dimmito MP, Luisi G, Novellino E, Nowakowski M, Koźmiński W, Mirzaie S, Zengin G, Streicher JM, Mollica A. Novel Cyclic Biphalin Analogues by Ruthenium-Catalyzed Ring Closing Metathesis: in Vivo and in Vitro Biological Profile. ACS Med Chem Lett 2019; 10:450-456. [PMID: 30996778 DOI: 10.1021/acsmedchemlett.8b00495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2018] [Accepted: 03/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In this work we report the application of the ring-closing metathesis (RCM) to the preparation of two cyclic olefin-bridged analogues of biphalin (Tyr-d-Ala-Gly-Phe-NH-NH ← Phe ← Gly ← d-Ala ← Tyr), using the second generation Grubbs' catalyst. The resulting cis- and trans-cyclic isomers were identified, fully characterized, and tested in vitro at μ (ΜΟR), δ (DOR), and κ (KOR) opioid receptors and in vivo for antinociceptive activity. Both were shown to be full agonists at MOR and potential partial antagonists at DOR, with low potency KOR agonism. They also share a strong antinociceptive effect after intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) and intravenous (i.v.) administration, higher than that of the cyclic biphalin analogues containing a disulfide bridge between the side chains of two d-Cys or d-Pen residues, previously described by our group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei Farmaci, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Grazia Luisi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli “Federico II”, Via D. Montesano 49, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Michał Nowakowski
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Wiktor Koźmiński
- Faculty of Chemistry, Biological and Chemical Research Centre, University of Warsaw, Żwirki i Wigury 101, 02-089 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Sako Mirzaie
- Department of Biochemistry, Islamic Azad University, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Science Faculty, Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey
| | - John M. Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, United States
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara “G. d’Annunzio”, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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19
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Stefanucci A, Lei W, Pieretti S, Novellino E, Dimmito MP, Marzoli F, Streicher JM, Mollica A. On resin click-chemistry-mediated synthesis of novel enkephalin analogues with potent anti-nociceptive activity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:5771. [PMID: 30962495 PMCID: PMC6453917 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-42289-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Here, we report the chemical synthesis of two DPDPE analogues 7a (NOVA1) and 7b (NOVA2). This entailed the solid-phase synthesis of two enkephalin precursor chains followed by a CuI-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition, with the aim of improving in vivo analgesic efficacy versus DPDPE. NOVA2 showed good affinity and selectivity for the μ-opioid receptor (KI of 59.2 nM, EC50 of 12.9 nM, EMax of 87.3%), and long lasting anti-nociceptive effects in mice when compared to DPDPE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azzurra Stefanucci
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Wei Lei
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Stefano Pieretti
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei farmaci, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ettore Novellino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Napoli "Federico II", Via D. Montesano 49, 80131, Naples, Italy
| | - Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca Marzoli
- Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Centro Nazionale Ricerca e Valutazione Preclinica e Clinica dei farmaci, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - John M Streicher
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Dipartimento di Farmacia, Università di Chieti-Pescara "G. d'Annunzio", Via dei Vestini 31, 66100, Chieti, Italy.
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20
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Cai S, Bellampalli SS, Yu J, Li W, Ji Y, Wijeratne EMK, Dorame A, Luo S, Shan Z, Khanna M, Moutal A, Streicher JM, Gunatilaka AAL, Khanna R. (-)-Hardwickiic Acid and Hautriwaic Acid Induce Antinociception via Blockade of Tetrodotoxin-Sensitive Voltage-Dependent Sodium Channels. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1716-1728. [PMID: 30525440 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
For an affliction that debilitates an estimated 50 million adults in the United States, the current chronic pain management approaches are inadequate. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called for a minimization in opioid prescription and use for chronic pain conditions, and thus, it is imperative to discover alternative non-opioid based strategies. For the realization of this call, a library of natural products was screened in search of pharmacological inhibitors of both voltage-gated calcium channels and voltage-gated sodium channels, which are excellent targets due to their well-established roles in nociceptive pathways. We discovered (-)-hardwickiic acid ((-)-HDA) and hautriwaic acid (HTA) isolated from plants, Croton californicus and Eremocarpus setigerus, respectively, inhibited tetrodotoxin-sensitive sodium, but not calcium or potassium, channels in small diameter, presumptively nociceptive, dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Failure to inhibit spontaneous postsynaptic excitatory currents indicated a preferential targeting of voltage-gated sodium channels over voltage-gated calcium channels by these extracts. Neither compound was a ligand at opioid receptors. Finally, we identified the potential of both (-)-HDA and HTA to reverse chronic pain behavior in preclinical rat models of HIV-sensory neuropathy, and for (-)-HDA specifically, in chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy. Our results illustrate the therapeutic potential for (-)-HDA and HTA for chronic pain management and could represent a scaffold, that, if optimized by structure-activity relationship studies, may yield novel specific sodium channel antagonists for pain relief.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jie Yu
- College of Basic Medical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310058, P.R. China
| | | | - Yingshi Ji
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130021, P.R. China
| | | | | | | | - Zhiming Shan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shenzhen People’s Hospital & Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, P.R. China
| | - May Khanna
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
| | | | | | | | - Rajesh Khanna
- The Center for Innovation in Brain Sciences, The University of Arizona Health Sciences, Tucson, Arizona 85724, United States
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21
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Olson KM, Keresztes A, Tashiro JK, Daconta LV, Hruby VJ, Streicher JM. Synthesis and Evaluation of a Novel Bivalent Selective Antagonist for the Mu-Delta Opioid Receptor Heterodimer that Reduces Morphine Withdrawal in Mice. J Med Chem 2018; 61:6075-6086. [PMID: 29939746 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.8b00403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
A major limitation in the study of the mu-delta opioid receptor heterodimer (MDOR) is that few selective pharmacological tools exist and no heteromer-selective antagonists. We thus designed a series of variable-length (15-41 atoms) bivalent linked peptides with selective but moderate/low-affinity pharmacophores for the mu and delta opioid receptors. We observed a U-shaped MDOR potency/affinity profile in vitro, with the 24-atom spacer length (D24M) producing the highest MDOR potency/affinity (<1 nM) and selectivity (≥89-fold). We further evaluated D24M in mice and observed that D24M dose-dependently antagonized tail flick antinociception produced by the MDOR agonists CYM51010 and Deltorphin-II, without antagonizing the monomer agonists DAMGO and DSLET. We also observed that D24M sharply reduced withdrawal behavior in models of acute and chronic morphine dependence. These findings suggest that D24M is a first-in-class high-potency MDOR-selective antagonist both in vitro and in vivo.
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